Ohio Dominican University Student Receives Presidential Award for Excellence, is Ohio Teacher of the Year

2012-10-08

Columbus, OH (43219) – Ohio Dominican University (ODU) congratulates teacher, and current student, Carole Morbitzer for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).She is also the 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Morbitzer is enrolled in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure program at ODU. She’s been a teacher for 17 years. Morbitzer has taught mathematics at Hamilton Township High School in the Hamilton Local School district in Columbus for six years. She also chairs the school’s Mathematic Department. Previously, she taught at Reynoldsburg High School for 11 years.

Morbitzer was one of 97 mathematics and science teachers who received the PAEMST award during June ceremonies in Washington D.C. All recipients teach grades 7–12. Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.

Morbitzer was also named 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year on Oct. 3, 2012. Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers presented her with the award prior to a varsity volleyball match, of which she coaches.

“America’s success in the 21st century depends on our ability to educate our children, give our workers the skills they need, and embrace technological change,” said U.S. President Barack Obama. “That starts with the men and women in front of our classrooms. These teachers are the best of the best, and they stand as excellent examples of the kind of leadership we need in order to train the next generation of innovators and help this country get ahead.”

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates between teachers teaching kindergarten through sixth grade and those teaching seventh through 12th grades.

In 2005, Morbitzer received the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Outstanding Mathematics teacher award.

Ohio Dominican University is a four-year private liberal arts institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican tradition. The University has approximately 2,700 students and offers undergraduate degrees in 42 majors as well as seven graduate degree programs. Ohio Dominican uses a student-centered approach, with a commitment to quality teaching and learning.